ACTH
Adrenocorticotropic hormone. A hormone produced in the pituitary gland that stimulates the adrenal glands to produce hormones including cortisol.
ACTH stimulation test
This is a blood test designed to measure the amount of cortisol released into the bloodstream.
Adrenal-dependent hyperadrenocorticism (ADH)
This is a form of Cushing’s syndrome resulting from a tumour in the adrenal glands.
Adrenal glands
Two small glands located next to each of the kidneys responsible for producing hormones that help control metabolism, blood pressure and fluid balance. Cortisol is one of the hormones released by the adrenal gland.
Cortisol
A hormone produced by the adrenal gland, the body’s natural stress fighting and anti-inflammatory hormone.
Cushing’s syndrome
Another name for hyperadrenocorticism – the term given to an endocrine condition characterised by an excessive amount of cortisol being released into the body. Harvey William Cushing (1869 – 1939) was a pioneering neurosurgeon and gave his name to the disease. The group of clinical signs resulting from the disease is known as Cushing’s syndrome.
Endocrine system
The collective name of glands in the body that release hormones directly into the bloodstream.
Glucocorticods
Also known as steroids, are a group of hormones released from adrenal glands that affect the body’s metabolism. Cortisol is a glucocorticoid.
Hormone
Hormones act as chemical messengers to body organs, regulating certain body processes.
Hyperadrenocorticism (HAC)
This is another name for Cushing’s syndrome. It is often abbreviated to HAC.
Low-dose dexamethasone suppression test
Is a test which may be used to diagnose Cushing’s syndrome.
Metabolism
The physical and chemical processes by which the body builds and maintains itself and by which it breaks down food and nutrients to produce energy.
Pituitary gland
A gland situated at the base of the brain. The pituitary gland releases ACTH which in turn stimulates the production and release of cortisol by the adrenal glands.
Pituitary-dependent hyperadrenocorticism (PDH)
This is a form of Cushing’s syndrome resulting from a tumour in the pituitary gland.
Trilostane
The active ingredient in Vetoryl that is known to block the production of cortisol.
Vetoryl
A medicine containing the active ingredient trilostane developed by Dechra Veterinary Products to treat Cushing’s syndrome in the dog.
